Persuasion and Manipulation in Communication

Human Communication

It is when a person influences the mind of others through language.  We usually try to attempt to influence when we communicate with others, verbally or non-verbally.  We are influenced by what we hear and see in our lives daily.  What we choose to process or take in is important when trying to negotiate our behavior, attitude, and what we perceive as part of the framework.  The information that we process can change or reinforce what is already stored in our personal vaults.  The three terms, persuasion, manipulation, and seduction are sometimes used interchangeable when relating them to human communication.

Persuasion

               To some, persuasion might mean one thing while to others it might mean something totally different.  Persuasion is a conscious attempt by a specific person or group to change the beliefs, attitude, or behavior of another person or group through the transmission of some message.  Persuasion is the name given to the type of communication that brings a change in people’s lives.  It is communication with intentions to affect how others think, feel, and act towards someone else, an object, or a group idea.  Persuasion usually involves one or more persons who are involved in creating, modifying, reinforcing, or extinguishing beliefs within the constraints of a given communication context.  Persuasion can sometimes lead to change in a person’s behavior. 

Manipulation

               While they are both intentional, manipulation and persuasion, manipulation is a technique powered up by different methods that does not only influence the person receiving the message but it also deceives them as well.  Manipulation takes place when a person consciously triggers an automatic response from someone who is not a conscious thinker.  Manipulation conceals its intentions.  Bottom line, it may not always be a smooth sailing but we are all learning.  We should be greatful for the patience nature shows for the attempts all human beings make.     

Conclusion

                 To conclude, it is important to realize that a lot of our everyday communication with others is spent influencing others or letting others influence us.  At times we might see the lines blurry when influencing takes place.  Moral stigmas are definitely attached to each of these different types of influencing techniques.  We must remember to be sincere, honest, and trustworthy when communicating with others.  Not only are we trying to persuade them into something that will benefit us and them, or one or the other, but we must get them to engage in our message by listening with their hearts so that they can see that we mean well.  We should show the knowledge we have of what we are speaking about and treat them with respect and courtesy.  In the end, the choice is yours of how much you decide to open yourself to different influences and how you decide to influence others as well.